Metropolitan Police (Hansard, 14 June 1973)

§ 28. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilson
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used in deciding the correct establishment for the Metropolitan Police.

§ Mr. R. Carr
The nature, extent and population of the Metropolitan Police

As at 31st December: 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972

Police 18,480 18,414 18,680 19,192 19,996 20,458 20,682 21,057 21,354 21,304

Traffic wardens 429 425 463 702 1,257 1,221 1,394 1,585 1,966 2,055

Other civilians 5,488 5,706 6,063 6,480 7,224 6,092^* 8,481 9,026 9,755 10,274

Number of cars 972 946 973 1,037 1,187 1,613 1,651 1,748 1,871 2,021

Total all vehicles (including vans and motorcycles) 2,328 2,588 2,639 2,883 2,913 3,071 3,173 3,266 3,262 3,254

Number of personal radios — 23 120 370 2,394 4,920 5,922 6,472 6,472† 6,513

Number of mobilefone radios 886 1,045 1,237 1,557 1,784 2,065 2,457 2,808 2,816† 2,856

^* Figures for 1968 and earlier were calculated on a different basis from and are not strictly comparable with those for later years.

† These represent increases of 472 and 474 respectively over figures given in answer to a Question by the hon. Member on 27th July 1972 [Vol. 841, c. 361–2.] The increases relate to sets issued to users outside the main divisional personal radio network, experimental sets and force radio sets fitted to motor cycles which were previously not included.

344W
District; the incidence of crime; the density of traffic; and the special problems that arise from London's position as the capital

§ 37. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has considered the first annual report of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police; and if he will make a statement, with particular reference to the manpower shortage.

§ Mr. R. Carr
I have studied the Commissioner's report very carefully. It demonstrates once again how indebted we must all feel to the Metropolitan Police for the way in which they carry out their difficult duties. On manpower, I have nothing to add to statements I have already made today in reply to other Questions.

§ Mr. Arthur Lewis
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT as much detailed information as may be readily available, giving for as long a period as possible information affecting the rise and fall in the strength of the Metropolitan Police force, and stating at each date the number of extra aids such as cars, vehicles in general, two-way radios and other electronic aids assisting in the reduction of manpower, and the numbers of traffic wardens and pedestrian crossing patrolmen employed to release policemen from traffic control for other purposes.

§ Mr. Carlisle
Precise figures for electronic aids are not readily available. Otherwise, following is the information:

As at 31st December:	1963	1964	1965	1966	1967	1968	1969	1970	1971	1972
Police	18,480	18,414	18,680	19,192	19,996	20,458	20,682	21,057	21,354	21,304
Traffic wardens	429	425	463	702	1,257	1,221	1,394	1,585	1,966	2,055
Other civilians	5,488	5,706	6,063	6,480	7,224	6,092^*	8,481	9,026	9,755	10,274
Number of cars	972	946	973	1,037	1,187	1,613	1,651	1,748	1,871	2,021
Total all vehicles (including vans and motorcycles)	2,328	2,588	2,639	2,883	2,913	3,071	3,173	3,266	3,262	3,254
Number of personal radios	—	23	120	370	2,394	4,920	5,922	6,472	6,472†	6,513
Number of mobilefone radios	886	1,045	1,237	1,557	1,784	2,065	2,457	2,808	2,816†	2,856
^* Figures for 1968 and earlier were calculated on a different basis from and are not strictly comparable with those for later years.
† These represent increases of 472 and 474 respectively over figures given in answer to a Question by the hon. Member on 27th July 1972 [Vol. 841, c. 361–2.] The increases relate to sets issued to users outside the main divisional personal radio network, experimental sets and force radio sets fitted to motor cycles which were previously not included.